Keeping different fish species together in a tank is a popular choice among fish enthusiasts. However, it is essential to research and choose compatible tank mates to ensure the health and happiness of each fish. In this article, we will discuss why goldfish and platies cannot live together in the same tank.
Why Goldfish And Platies Can’t Live Together
In short, platies and goldfish are just too different.
The main reasons goldfish and platies can’t live together are due not only to the size difference between each fish, but also the temperature differences. These alone would cause each fish to become sick or in worse case scenarios perish.
(Fortunately, there are plenty more great tank mates you can put in your goldfish’s tank!)
Water Temperature Requirements For Goldfish And Platies
Off the bat, you can see that goldfish and platies can’t live together due to the fact they have different temperature requirements for their tanks.
Goldfish Temperature Requirements
Goldfish are coldwater fish and thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C). They can tolerate some variation in temperature, but sudden changes can cause stress and even illness.
Platy Temperature Requirements
Platies, on the other hand, are tropical fish and require a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C). They cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68°F (20°C), and anything above 80°F (27°C) can be harmful to their health.
So…
Because goldfish prefer cold water and platies need warm water, they cannot live together in the same tank. What’s comfortable for one species might be stressful or harmful to the other.
It’s important to research the temperature requirements of any fish species you’re interested in keeping and make sure they’re compatible with your other fish to ensure everyone stays healthy and happy.
pH Levels For Platies And Goldfish
While you may think because the temperature difference between the two are so different, the pH levels will be too different as well. However, this isn’t the case.
Goldfish pH Level Requirements
Goldfish are relatively adaptable and can thrive in a pH range of 6.0-8.0. However, they prefer a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6.
Platy pH Level Requirements
Platies prefer a slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0-8.2. They can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but anything below 7.0 can cause stress and affect their health.
Maintaining a stable pH level is important for the health and well-being of fish, and differences in pH requirements can be another factor that makes it difficult for goldfish and platies to coexist.
For optimal health, it’s crucial to provide a stable and suitable environment for each fish species, including maintaining the correct pH level.
Feeding Habits
Now comes the feeding habits of both fish. While they do eat the same food, the quantity and rate the food is eating can also be a cause for concern when keeping the two together
Goldfish Feeding Habits
Goldfish are omnivores and prefer a varied diet of both plant and animal matter. They require a low-protein, high-fiber diet to maintain optimal health.
Platy Feeding Habits
Platies are also omnivores and require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. They have a higher protein requirement than goldfish and benefit from live or frozen foods.
Providing the right kind of food in the correct amounts is crucial to the health of both goldfish and platies. While their feeding habits are similar, there are differences in their specific requirements that need to be taken into consideration.
A diet that’s not suitable for one species can lead to health issues and even death for the other.
Size and Aggressiveness
One of the most important things to consider when you’re keeping fish together is the size of each fish and how aggressive they are. In fact, as you’re about to see, this is one of the main reasons platies and goldfish don’t do well together.
Goldfish Size and Aggressiveness
Goldfish are known for their peaceful nature and can coexist with other peaceful fish species. However, they are also active swimmers and can grow quite large, with some species reaching up to 18 inches in length.
They are not aggressive towards other fish but can accidentally harm smaller inhabitants in the tank (like platies).
Platy Size and Aggressiveness
Platies are a small and peaceful fish species, typically growing to only 2-3 inches in length. Once again, they are not aggressive towards other fish and will happily coexist with other peaceful fish species without issue.
When it comes to mixing fish species in a tank, size and behavior are important factors to consider. Goldfish aren’t necessarily aggressive, however, they will eat anything that is small enough, which means your platies may be on the menu.
On the other hand, platies are small and peaceful and are generally safe to keep with other peaceful fish species.
What Tank Mates Can Live With Platies And Goldfish?
Fortunately, if you want to keep tank mates with your fish, all hope is not lost. Here are some tank mates that go well with both species, that you can add to your tank instead.
Goldfish Tank Mates
Goldfish are social fish that prefer to live with their own kind, but they can also live with other coldwater fish species in a well-maintained aquarium. Compatible fish species for goldfish include:
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows – These fish are small in size and can tolerate the same temperature range as goldfish (65-77°F). They also have a similar pH requirement (6.5-8.5) and are peaceful in temperament.
- Weather Loaches – These fish are larger than goldfish but can still live peacefully in a mixed tank. They prefer cooler water temperatures (59-77°F) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5).
Platy Tank Mates
Platies are peaceful fish that can live with a variety of other fish species in a well-maintained aquarium. Compatible fish species for platies include:
- Neon Tetras – These fish are small in size and have similar water temperature requirements as platies (68-80°F). They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (6.0-7.0) and are peaceful in temperament.
- Corydoras Catfish – These fish are bottom dwellers that can help keep the aquarium clean by eating leftover food and debris. They prefer warmer water temperatures (72-82°F) but can still live with platies as long as the temperature is stable. They also prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (7.0-8.0).
- Guppies – These fish are similar in size and temperament to platies, making them ideal tank mates. They prefer warmer water temperatures (74-82°C) and a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (7.0-8.0).
It’s important to research and choose compatible tank mates for your fish to ensure a harmonious and healthy environment. Be sure to consider the water temperature, pH level, and temperament of each species before adding them to the tank.
In Summary
it’s important to research and choose compatible tank mates to ensure the health and happiness of each fish in your aquarium. Goldfish and platies, for example, have different water temperature and pH level requirements, as well as different feeding habits, size, and behavior, which make them incompatible tank mates.
By understanding the needs and characteristics of each fish species, you can create a harmonious and healthy environment for your aquatic pets. Remember to continue learning and exploring different fish species to expand your knowledge and expertise in aquarium keeping.